I am truly amazed at what God has done and continues do in my life, my family's life, and those in our small group.
To start, before we were a small group, God placed people in my family's life that are truly invaluable.
Our daycare lady is the most humble person I have ever had the privelege of meeting. She puts everyone before herself, and tries diligently to meet all the needs others' face, while she is in the midst of a fierce battle herself. Many would have layed their armor down and thought the fight to be futile, but she not only knows that God is going to see her through this raging storm but knows that holding on to God and his love is the only way she will ever see a clear sky again. Upon waking every morning, she thanks God and gives him praise for everything - good and bad. Amazing faith and I am truly humbled.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Why I am Here
I recently became a Small Group facilitator. This new title or step in faith has brought about many questions, emotions and thoughts. Am I adequate for such a position? I am quickly reminded of Philippians 4:13 “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” And the powerful Ephesians 3:20 “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Now that puts all thoughts of inadequacy to rest.
Am I doing this because God has called me? Well, really if you get to the brass tacks; a small group facilitator is a fellowship enthusiast, and God’s word in1 John 1:7 says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” So, walk with Jesus (the light) and fellowship (share the love of Jesus) with people, and remember that Jesus gave His life for us so that our lives could be transformed to His likeness, which creates a desire to see others be transformed as well. Which paves to another question. How does someone know God has called him or her to a position? Pray, pray, renew your mind, be transformed, use spiritual discernment, then pray, and pray some more. Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” God has opened many doors for me showing me my ability to lead. Recently, I know God has been calling me to be more and do more. How do I know? I will just say, I felt the uneasy pull on my heart to do something more and the joy of working for the King. Then, I prayed and prayed, not wanting to follow my vain ambitions, and I accepted the opportunities God has presented.
First, a Contamination Control Champion title was available, and I accepted this role, which only brought more responsible – no pay increase. I admit, I initially took this role to sweeten my resume’, but soon realized God was preparing me to lead at some capacity. You see, while all this was happening at work, I wanted to learn and take on a mentorship to be a teacher or preacher at church, although I have no Bible college degree. So, I went and told my desire to the Senior Pastor, and he told me to first lead my family with grace, and if God were calling me to lead; He would bring people to me to lead. What do you know, people started saying I should be a small group leader. I asked them, “Why?” and their response was usually vague – like: I think you’d be a good teacher. So, the group with the idea of fellowship, decided to start gathering bi-monthly. And lo and behold a couple of times our conversations turned to life struggles and I found myself standing in front of the group sharing Jesus, and encouraging them not to quit. Then, a Team Lead position opened up at work, and since there were no other takers I was offered the role. I accepted, once again even more responsibility but no pay increase, but the experience is beyond compensation.
Furthermore, I’ve found over the years and different jobs, I love helping others be successful when they think a task or a situation is impossible. Thinking back, God has been training me to lead for a long, long time. My first real job was a laborer for a brick mason at the age of 13. I learned what hard manual labor was and to this day I’m not scared to roll up my sleeves and get dirty. Then, I was a bagger at a local grocery. Where I learned how to treat people, and that I like to help others, even when they insisted no help was needed. Next, I worked for a huge hospital where I transported all the garbage – from every floor - to the incendiary room. Once again hard work, and I learned to manage my time. Then, I was promoted to a Floor Tech in E.R., refurbishing and refinishing all the corridors and room floors. Here, I learned to be subservient to the head nurses and schedule around the mass chaos of a very busy E.R. Many times, wet wax was trampled and I would have to start over. Frustration turned to patience and understanding – I guess. (However, I still let circumstances control my attitude at times – still under God’s construction.) Next, I cleaned carpets for a large floor restoration company. Again, I worked hard, but also learned to meet the needs of others, or meet in the middle of what was actual physically possible with the condition of the floor and the budget. Next, I journeyed back to the hospital for a short stint – once again redoing floors, but this time for the new layout of the prompt care and E.R. Which was more assessable, since prompt care was only opened till 8 or 9 p.m., but my hours were 1:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Plus, I had the added responsibility of fixing the floor care equipment, which in itself kept me busy. I learned to sacrifice and adjust my schedule to meet the current need of the hospital. I also attempted to sell vacuums door to door and found that I cannot sell if the product or practice is unethical. For instance selling a product for $100 to you and then selling the exact same product to your neighbor for $300. I just could not do it. I’m glad sharing the love of Jesus is sharing truth and not devised schemes and false practices.
Then, I worked for a equipment company that owned several local dry cleaning facilities. My first job here was a counter clerk. Basic interaction with customers that sometimes evolved to very frustrated and upset customers when a damage claim needed to be filled out, which leads me to my next role as the Sales Manager. Where I scheduled, trained, and supervised 10-15 employees, while resolving customer complaints and seeing the, when necessary, damage claim process through to finality. The owner then presented me with the covenanted position of “being a dry cleaner.” A lot of responsibility: had to ensure there were clothes waiting for the pressers upon their arrival at 6:30 am, check all the pockets ensuring all items have been removed, sort all the clothes by potential colorfast (bleeders - needed a special load), colors (darks, lights, or variation of colors), sometimes delicate fabrics, which were then sorted down to color and like fabrics, and wash loads (believe it or not some people pay to have clothes washed with a DO NOT DRY CLEAN care label. I trained three people at the art of dry cleaning, which really is an art (and took me several years, to begin to fully understand and then and even now if I was still dry cleaning would be learning and perfecting the art.) If you don’t believe its an art, take a silk shirt or silk tie and try to remove a spot with steam and plastic picks without discoloring or stretching the fibers, or preparing loads to allow colorfast garments to bleed on each other, intensifying the colors of the entire load.
My next job was at a phone center, here I assisted customers with promoting, installing, hooking, and programming their electronics, which may be as simple as programming a VCR to running diagram charts of multi-media theatre systems. Of course, I also dealt with unsatisfied customers. This job taught me more patience and learning to let people vent about possibly defective equipment, and thinking through every situation before attempting to give an answer. Finally, I ended up at CAT where over the years I again found hard work, and at times, thought I would not be able to fulfill the role of assembling tractors on a moving line within the allotted time per station. However, God’s grace and mercy prevailed, and over these last 5 years I have been privileged to train people on assembling tractors and running computerized test, which are both overwhelming and sometimes seemingly impossible jobs for outsiders, depending on their mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn.
God has wrapped all this up for me on the night before my first official small group.
Still, sometimes, just the thought of leading people makes me nervous and excited at the same time. I think to myself. “I can do this; if and only if I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, and let Him lead the way.” And conveniently Hebrews 12:2 clearly verifies, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Changing thoughts slightly, I bought John Maxwell’s “21 Irrefutable Laws to Leadership: Special Edition” after asking our Equipping Pastor what is good leadership book to read. I’ve only made it through 2 laws, but together they have reassured that all have been called to be leaders at some capacity, and all can become good leaders. So far I’ve essentially learned that a manager, does just that, manages resources, but a good manager utilizes all available resources to cooperatively achieve short and long term goals. However, a leader influences people to follow, but a good leader has and uses no leverage as influence, and people intentionally follow; believing the leader will lead them all to a known victory. Thus, a leader must have a clear vision and a passion to see the vision come to fruition, while allowing everyone to participate in achieving the goal.
Am I doing this because God has called me? Well, really if you get to the brass tacks; a small group facilitator is a fellowship enthusiast, and God’s word in1 John 1:7 says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” So, walk with Jesus (the light) and fellowship (share the love of Jesus) with people, and remember that Jesus gave His life for us so that our lives could be transformed to His likeness, which creates a desire to see others be transformed as well. Which paves to another question. How does someone know God has called him or her to a position? Pray, pray, renew your mind, be transformed, use spiritual discernment, then pray, and pray some more. Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” God has opened many doors for me showing me my ability to lead. Recently, I know God has been calling me to be more and do more. How do I know? I will just say, I felt the uneasy pull on my heart to do something more and the joy of working for the King. Then, I prayed and prayed, not wanting to follow my vain ambitions, and I accepted the opportunities God has presented.
First, a Contamination Control Champion title was available, and I accepted this role, which only brought more responsible – no pay increase. I admit, I initially took this role to sweeten my resume’, but soon realized God was preparing me to lead at some capacity. You see, while all this was happening at work, I wanted to learn and take on a mentorship to be a teacher or preacher at church, although I have no Bible college degree. So, I went and told my desire to the Senior Pastor, and he told me to first lead my family with grace, and if God were calling me to lead; He would bring people to me to lead. What do you know, people started saying I should be a small group leader. I asked them, “Why?” and their response was usually vague – like: I think you’d be a good teacher. So, the group with the idea of fellowship, decided to start gathering bi-monthly. And lo and behold a couple of times our conversations turned to life struggles and I found myself standing in front of the group sharing Jesus, and encouraging them not to quit. Then, a Team Lead position opened up at work, and since there were no other takers I was offered the role. I accepted, once again even more responsibility but no pay increase, but the experience is beyond compensation.
Furthermore, I’ve found over the years and different jobs, I love helping others be successful when they think a task or a situation is impossible. Thinking back, God has been training me to lead for a long, long time. My first real job was a laborer for a brick mason at the age of 13. I learned what hard manual labor was and to this day I’m not scared to roll up my sleeves and get dirty. Then, I was a bagger at a local grocery. Where I learned how to treat people, and that I like to help others, even when they insisted no help was needed. Next, I worked for a huge hospital where I transported all the garbage – from every floor - to the incendiary room. Once again hard work, and I learned to manage my time. Then, I was promoted to a Floor Tech in E.R., refurbishing and refinishing all the corridors and room floors. Here, I learned to be subservient to the head nurses and schedule around the mass chaos of a very busy E.R. Many times, wet wax was trampled and I would have to start over. Frustration turned to patience and understanding – I guess. (However, I still let circumstances control my attitude at times – still under God’s construction.) Next, I cleaned carpets for a large floor restoration company. Again, I worked hard, but also learned to meet the needs of others, or meet in the middle of what was actual physically possible with the condition of the floor and the budget. Next, I journeyed back to the hospital for a short stint – once again redoing floors, but this time for the new layout of the prompt care and E.R. Which was more assessable, since prompt care was only opened till 8 or 9 p.m., but my hours were 1:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Plus, I had the added responsibility of fixing the floor care equipment, which in itself kept me busy. I learned to sacrifice and adjust my schedule to meet the current need of the hospital. I also attempted to sell vacuums door to door and found that I cannot sell if the product or practice is unethical. For instance selling a product for $100 to you and then selling the exact same product to your neighbor for $300. I just could not do it. I’m glad sharing the love of Jesus is sharing truth and not devised schemes and false practices.
Then, I worked for a equipment company that owned several local dry cleaning facilities. My first job here was a counter clerk. Basic interaction with customers that sometimes evolved to very frustrated and upset customers when a damage claim needed to be filled out, which leads me to my next role as the Sales Manager. Where I scheduled, trained, and supervised 10-15 employees, while resolving customer complaints and seeing the, when necessary, damage claim process through to finality. The owner then presented me with the covenanted position of “being a dry cleaner.” A lot of responsibility: had to ensure there were clothes waiting for the pressers upon their arrival at 6:30 am, check all the pockets ensuring all items have been removed, sort all the clothes by potential colorfast (bleeders - needed a special load), colors (darks, lights, or variation of colors), sometimes delicate fabrics, which were then sorted down to color and like fabrics, and wash loads (believe it or not some people pay to have clothes washed with a DO NOT DRY CLEAN care label. I trained three people at the art of dry cleaning, which really is an art (and took me several years, to begin to fully understand and then and even now if I was still dry cleaning would be learning and perfecting the art.) If you don’t believe its an art, take a silk shirt or silk tie and try to remove a spot with steam and plastic picks without discoloring or stretching the fibers, or preparing loads to allow colorfast garments to bleed on each other, intensifying the colors of the entire load.
My next job was at a phone center, here I assisted customers with promoting, installing, hooking, and programming their electronics, which may be as simple as programming a VCR to running diagram charts of multi-media theatre systems. Of course, I also dealt with unsatisfied customers. This job taught me more patience and learning to let people vent about possibly defective equipment, and thinking through every situation before attempting to give an answer. Finally, I ended up at CAT where over the years I again found hard work, and at times, thought I would not be able to fulfill the role of assembling tractors on a moving line within the allotted time per station. However, God’s grace and mercy prevailed, and over these last 5 years I have been privileged to train people on assembling tractors and running computerized test, which are both overwhelming and sometimes seemingly impossible jobs for outsiders, depending on their mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn.
God has wrapped all this up for me on the night before my first official small group.
Still, sometimes, just the thought of leading people makes me nervous and excited at the same time. I think to myself. “I can do this; if and only if I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, and let Him lead the way.” And conveniently Hebrews 12:2 clearly verifies, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Changing thoughts slightly, I bought John Maxwell’s “21 Irrefutable Laws to Leadership: Special Edition” after asking our Equipping Pastor what is good leadership book to read. I’ve only made it through 2 laws, but together they have reassured that all have been called to be leaders at some capacity, and all can become good leaders. So far I’ve essentially learned that a manager, does just that, manages resources, but a good manager utilizes all available resources to cooperatively achieve short and long term goals. However, a leader influences people to follow, but a good leader has and uses no leverage as influence, and people intentionally follow; believing the leader will lead them all to a known victory. Thus, a leader must have a clear vision and a passion to see the vision come to fruition, while allowing everyone to participate in achieving the goal.
Friday, August 8, 2008
What did you call me?
One night last week, before saying a goodnight prayer, my very tired four-year-old daughter asked some amazing questions as I was telling her that Jesus loves it when we talk to Him, and tell Him all about the good times and the bad times we have every day, to coax her to pray with me. At first she just pulled the blankets over her head and said, “uggh, I’m tired.” Then after a little more casual talk, she popped out from beneath the blanket and asked, “Dadda, God and Jesus, which one died?” I told her Jesus died, but He brought Himself back to life and now lives with God in Heaven. (Then I added, which probably really confused her) “But God is not only in Heaven, He is everywhere, with you, mommy, me, and everyone else in the world.” She then asked, “How did Jesus get up to heaven?” I told her that God and Jesus can go anywhere they want. She did some quick thinking and asked, “Which one is the dadda and momma?” I told her that God is the Father and Jesus is the Son.” Immediately she said, “I want to go to heaven and see God and Jesus. Can I go on my bike and ride there?” I told her, “No,” and added, “We don’t go there until God tells us to come up there and be with Him.” She said, “but I want to see God and Jesus. How can I see them if I can’t go to heaven?” I told her, “Ask Jesus and God to let you see them in your prayers. God and Jesus love it when we ask to see them.” I then told her to ask God and Jesus to let you see them when you dream tonight.”
She gave it some thought and said, “Okay.” I then said a quick prayer with her and told her goodnight. Then went back to the living room to continue watching the baseball game and began reflecting on our conversation. As I sat watching the game, I could not stop thinking about what just happened. Often times I say things over and over, in many different settings that there is no faith behind the words – not coming from the heart. “Jesus lives…Jesus lives…Jesus lives…” kept playing over and over in my mind like a vinyl record stuck in an incidental scratch. I mean, I say that Jesus lives. In fact, I just told my daughter that Jesus lives, but do I really live my life like I truly believe that Jesus lives inside of me? Is my life’s image even close to a blurry, cracked mirror reflecting Christ’ life? How do my wife, daughter, coworkers, and strangers see me? I call myself a Christian, but is it a tag I am entitled to brand on my chest? Shouldn’t it be up to those around me that I encounter to call me a Christian; because of the way I live my life demonstrates such
According to scripture – I would have to go with…yes. Let’s take a look…
(All verses are NIV)
Jesus tells His disciples, those who believe and disseminate His doctrine, in John 13: 34-35, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
All men will know, not have to be told, that you are my disciples, and all men will know we are Jesus’ disciples by us loving each other as God loves us, which is unconditionally. Thus, for all to know we are His disciples, we must have an understanding of love.
Time to revisit the true meaning of love and its characteristics. So, I will re-educate myself and break out the famous Love Chapter, and etch God’s words a little deeper in my heart’s table.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Well, as Jesus disciples traveled, they obviously obeyed Jesus’ command to love everyone as He loves them. Because...
News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:22-25
The disciples did not have to tell everyone they were Christians. Their character inspired the community to title them as Christians, because their actions spoke louder than their words. Do not get me wrong, it is definitely good to know who we are in Christ Jesus, but it is not necessarily who I say I am, but who you and others say I am; because of the fruit I bear is tested and prooved true of a Christian. Then others will know because of the love that pours out of me onto all.
Just a few verses regarding love:
1 John 4: 7-8 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Ephesians 5:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Proverbs 3: 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Proverbs 10: 12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.
Proverbs 16: 6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit
Proverbs 22:11 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.
She gave it some thought and said, “Okay.” I then said a quick prayer with her and told her goodnight. Then went back to the living room to continue watching the baseball game and began reflecting on our conversation. As I sat watching the game, I could not stop thinking about what just happened. Often times I say things over and over, in many different settings that there is no faith behind the words – not coming from the heart. “Jesus lives…Jesus lives…Jesus lives…” kept playing over and over in my mind like a vinyl record stuck in an incidental scratch. I mean, I say that Jesus lives. In fact, I just told my daughter that Jesus lives, but do I really live my life like I truly believe that Jesus lives inside of me? Is my life’s image even close to a blurry, cracked mirror reflecting Christ’ life? How do my wife, daughter, coworkers, and strangers see me? I call myself a Christian, but is it a tag I am entitled to brand on my chest? Shouldn’t it be up to those around me that I encounter to call me a Christian; because of the way I live my life demonstrates such
According to scripture – I would have to go with…yes. Let’s take a look…
(All verses are NIV)
Jesus tells His disciples, those who believe and disseminate His doctrine, in John 13: 34-35, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
All men will know, not have to be told, that you are my disciples, and all men will know we are Jesus’ disciples by us loving each other as God loves us, which is unconditionally. Thus, for all to know we are His disciples, we must have an understanding of love.
Time to revisit the true meaning of love and its characteristics. So, I will re-educate myself and break out the famous Love Chapter, and etch God’s words a little deeper in my heart’s table.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Well, as Jesus disciples traveled, they obviously obeyed Jesus’ command to love everyone as He loves them. Because...
News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:22-25
The disciples did not have to tell everyone they were Christians. Their character inspired the community to title them as Christians, because their actions spoke louder than their words. Do not get me wrong, it is definitely good to know who we are in Christ Jesus, but it is not necessarily who I say I am, but who you and others say I am; because of the fruit I bear is tested and prooved true of a Christian. Then others will know because of the love that pours out of me onto all.
Just a few verses regarding love:
1 John 4: 7-8 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Ephesians 5:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Proverbs 3: 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Proverbs 10: 12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.
Proverbs 16: 6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit
Proverbs 22:11 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Let’s Break and Reconvene with God, in ..say ….today?
You may very well already know this, but I will reaffirm if doubt exist. God does not call us to a fair fight. If we think we can handle the fight, God did not call us to it.
You have probably heard, as I have, the quoted misconception, "God does not give you anything or allow you to get in a situation or circumstance you, 'a Christian,' cannot handle." I used to believe that statement as truth, but if it were true, then we could infer: humans do not and will not ever have a need for God, but the thought of having a God is... comforting. If all your "battles" were easy and managed within your control, you would never feel the need for God. You would continue to rely on yourself and never give up and say, "I quit." However, when the facing situation grows and finally overwhelms you, and you have exhausted all seemingly possible ways to overcome the “battle.” Back against the proverbial wall, your understanding has ended, and your energy is sapped. At that moment, helplessness overcomes you; there is nowhere else to turn. You finally give up, turn from yourself and turn to God for help and strength, and say from the depth of your soul, "I cannot do this, but God, I know you can." You are for the moment “broken” or surrendered to the Holy Spirit of God. Your spirit is committed to God. Selfishness has dissolved and selflessness is absolved. Now, within this time there is no self-inhibition, and your spirit and soul are open vessels, and God pours out His grace on you. Your frailty and vulnerability are exposed, but the hollow yearning of your inner core is being filled. God's loving arms are embracing you. This intimacy with God your soul was created to have is satisfying your very being. Every beat of your heart pumps pure praise to God from the depths of your soul. Everything you have within you cries desperately out to Jesus. You now know, without doubt you need God, and this need; God is meeting indeed.
I did not write the above to insinuate an exact procedure is necessary to validate surrendering to God, but the above description is a summation of the peoples consensus that have openly spoken of their “moment of brokenness” and my personal experience of surrendering to God.
The following is a correlation, or a parallel illustration of submitting to God’s will.
Whenever I ask God to use me for His glory He will, and usually it’s in a way beyond all human logic, absurd. However, first, God will break my spirit to a point of surrender. I like to think of it analogous to a wild stallion freely running through the pastures. Well, in order to be used effectively, that stallion must be broken. Although, that stallion sees open pastures beyond the corral, the stallion must allow the horse trainer to bring it to a point of complete submission, before the stallion is safe to ride. I am like a wild stallion, which must be broken by God and allow the Holy Spirit to put the saddle on, the bit in my mouth, the blinders on my head, and permit the Holy Spirit to move me in God's will, which will be obvious because I, the broken stallion, will go as the rider leads me.
However, this is not an overnight process. A horse in training will undoubtedly buck the rider off several times, even after the horse was initially broken, and many horses have to be broken several times before they completely submit to the trainer. Thus, to form a bond of trust, it is imperative the horse's focus remains on the voice commands of the instructor and is not distracted by surrounding noises. Even at the onset of the constructive relationship, the horse becomes receptive to whom should be on his back and very leery of would be riders. As a result, the horse's faith and trust in the instructor begin to grow, stemming from past experiences of safety in the company of the leader, which facilitates the ongoing submitting process.
The course of "breaking" is very difficult for some and others obey some commands and defiantly refuse to obey others. Some horses will not get close or cross a body of water, no matter how many times the rider demands. Other horses are immediately frightened by the sound of a rifle cocking and buck the rider off while running as far as possible from the sound. Trainers then begin the process of exposing the horse to its biggest fears, to generate confidence for the horse and an unbreakable trust between the horse and the trainer; reinforcing in the horse's mind, "I am your leader, and I want to help you and not hurt you. If you trust me and obey my commands we will be able to work as one, and this seemingly harsh phase of obedience training will be over. Then, we can ride through the open pastures together as I guide you. Sure, you will need to drink, eat, and rest, and I will give you all those things, but let's get through this phase, today. I know it's difficult and against your nature, but I know what is best, because I am the instructor and you are not my first wild stallion. So, submit and let me harness your control. Let us move forward to the days ahead where you fully trust and know I mean you no harm, and you know and understand my unfading love for you."
You have probably heard, as I have, the quoted misconception, "God does not give you anything or allow you to get in a situation or circumstance you, 'a Christian,' cannot handle." I used to believe that statement as truth, but if it were true, then we could infer: humans do not and will not ever have a need for God, but the thought of having a God is... comforting. If all your "battles" were easy and managed within your control, you would never feel the need for God. You would continue to rely on yourself and never give up and say, "I quit." However, when the facing situation grows and finally overwhelms you, and you have exhausted all seemingly possible ways to overcome the “battle.” Back against the proverbial wall, your understanding has ended, and your energy is sapped. At that moment, helplessness overcomes you; there is nowhere else to turn. You finally give up, turn from yourself and turn to God for help and strength, and say from the depth of your soul, "I cannot do this, but God, I know you can." You are for the moment “broken” or surrendered to the Holy Spirit of God. Your spirit is committed to God. Selfishness has dissolved and selflessness is absolved. Now, within this time there is no self-inhibition, and your spirit and soul are open vessels, and God pours out His grace on you. Your frailty and vulnerability are exposed, but the hollow yearning of your inner core is being filled. God's loving arms are embracing you. This intimacy with God your soul was created to have is satisfying your very being. Every beat of your heart pumps pure praise to God from the depths of your soul. Everything you have within you cries desperately out to Jesus. You now know, without doubt you need God, and this need; God is meeting indeed.
I did not write the above to insinuate an exact procedure is necessary to validate surrendering to God, but the above description is a summation of the peoples consensus that have openly spoken of their “moment of brokenness” and my personal experience of surrendering to God.
The following is a correlation, or a parallel illustration of submitting to God’s will.
Whenever I ask God to use me for His glory He will, and usually it’s in a way beyond all human logic, absurd. However, first, God will break my spirit to a point of surrender. I like to think of it analogous to a wild stallion freely running through the pastures. Well, in order to be used effectively, that stallion must be broken. Although, that stallion sees open pastures beyond the corral, the stallion must allow the horse trainer to bring it to a point of complete submission, before the stallion is safe to ride. I am like a wild stallion, which must be broken by God and allow the Holy Spirit to put the saddle on, the bit in my mouth, the blinders on my head, and permit the Holy Spirit to move me in God's will, which will be obvious because I, the broken stallion, will go as the rider leads me.
However, this is not an overnight process. A horse in training will undoubtedly buck the rider off several times, even after the horse was initially broken, and many horses have to be broken several times before they completely submit to the trainer. Thus, to form a bond of trust, it is imperative the horse's focus remains on the voice commands of the instructor and is not distracted by surrounding noises. Even at the onset of the constructive relationship, the horse becomes receptive to whom should be on his back and very leery of would be riders. As a result, the horse's faith and trust in the instructor begin to grow, stemming from past experiences of safety in the company of the leader, which facilitates the ongoing submitting process.
The course of "breaking" is very difficult for some and others obey some commands and defiantly refuse to obey others. Some horses will not get close or cross a body of water, no matter how many times the rider demands. Other horses are immediately frightened by the sound of a rifle cocking and buck the rider off while running as far as possible from the sound. Trainers then begin the process of exposing the horse to its biggest fears, to generate confidence for the horse and an unbreakable trust between the horse and the trainer; reinforcing in the horse's mind, "I am your leader, and I want to help you and not hurt you. If you trust me and obey my commands we will be able to work as one, and this seemingly harsh phase of obedience training will be over. Then, we can ride through the open pastures together as I guide you. Sure, you will need to drink, eat, and rest, and I will give you all those things, but let's get through this phase, today. I know it's difficult and against your nature, but I know what is best, because I am the instructor and you are not my first wild stallion. So, submit and let me harness your control. Let us move forward to the days ahead where you fully trust and know I mean you no harm, and you know and understand my unfading love for you."
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Persevere at All Cost
Well, I found the 12th Chapter of Hebrews to be invigorating, engrossing, and captivating. So, I decided to begin a complete study of the book of Hebrews, and while perusing for a bible study site,I found this, which is where the following paragraph resides.
"It would have been a very tempting thought to Jewish Christians who were being persecuted to down play their commitment to Christ. If they would deny their faith in Christ and present themselves only as Jews (and not as Jewish Christians) they would be safe from the persecution. Then, perhaps at a later and safer date, they could pick up their commitment to Christ again. Hebrews makes best sense as an argument to prevent the first readers from being enticed into following such a tempting course of action."
So, after reading the Introduction from the following site, my thought processor began to turn and the Holy Spirit revealed the following, which corresponds with the infallible Word of God.
So, after reading the Introduction from the following site, my thought processor began to turn and the Holy Spirit revealed the following, which corresponds with the infallible Word of God.
Absolutely nothing is more precious to an individual than faith in Jesus. Romans 3:22 "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:"Romans 5:1"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"2 Timothy 3:15"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."1 Peter 1:7"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Thus, never compromise faith to be accepted by others or do what is safe to get through a situation or circumstance by conforming to the norms and demands of the world with intention to later resume faith in Jesus. Faith in Jesus is the only means of: righteousness, justification, and salvation. Is there anything more important than that list.
As I pondered the statement, "Absolutely nothing is more precious to an individual than faith in Jesus," and its direct applicability. I reflected on Daniel chapter 3, specifically, the unwavering faith and obedience of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego as they were summoned by king Nebuchadnezzar and asked, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up?" Then, he told them to “fall down and worship” the golden idol at the sound of the musical instruments, or else they would "be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace.” “Then what god” would be able to save them from his “hand?” I believe they looked old Neb directly in the eyes and simultaneously with all confidence spoke these words of God, “we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O’ king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Irate, old Neb ordered the furnace to be stoked seven times hotter, and commanded his strongest men to bind up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego and “throw them into the blazing furnace.” The men who bound the brothers perished due to the flame’s heat while tossing the brothers into the furnace. “Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, `Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?’ They replied, `Certainly, O king.’ He said, `Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods’." Old Neb commanded the boys to come out of the fire. So, they did, and all “saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.” Then Neb’s heart was changed, regenerated, due to three boys who would not conform or obey the demands of the world. For they knew without doubt that there faith in God was more precious than renouncing their faith to escape this hard trial, this horrendous situation with full intention of resuming their previous faith after the dust had settled and to believe and profess their faith in God.
Sure, I believe and trust in God when it is easy and convenient, but when faced with difficult decisions will temporarily renouncing my faith in Jesus be a temptation I will triumph over or selfishly succumb. Who knows how many hearts will be changed by a firm stance in my faith in Jesus. After all, works without faith is futile, and faith without works is ineffective………Who will you stand for today? Jesus? Yourself? Others? ……Who will you fall down (bow down) for today? God? Self? Friends? Co-workers? Relatives?
Oh Lord God, I will hold fast to your Words, and know with all certainty that you will provide my strength to persevere through all situations, under any amount of pressure I may face. Oh God you are my strength, and I know You are for me, so what formidable foe of any dimension can come rightly against me. None is greater than You, oh God. I will seek You and find You as my refuge in the time of struggle and relinquish my fabricated armor and don Your armor. For You are my Mighty Warrior leading me through all battles. Lord, You alone are worthy of all my praise. Thank You oh God for the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, which generates heavenly knowledge and reveals the need to guard my heart above all else. Oh Holy Spirit, completely search me. Find and remove all wickedness, replacing this heart with a new heart that only seeks the glory of You, God. Inundate me with the all-consuming fire of Your Spirit. Renew my mind and spirit to the mind of Christ and Your burning Spirit, and give me eyes to see as You see oh God, and a heart that feels what You feel oh God. I know this human heart could not withstand the anguish You must feel as Your created likeness continue to perish; some say 50,000 unsaved a day are vanquished by death, but let me taste a little of this sorrow to energize my compassion for the lost souls and the needs of all Your children. Lord, You are the greatest and greatly to be praised. Lord, continue to refine me, mold me, sharpen me, and utilize me. Oh God, I submit my will and commit my spirit to You. Not my will be done, but Your perfect will be done today and forever. Amen
Monday, July 14, 2008
Just a few thoughts....
Just a few "Things" I have been thinking about: "Above all else, guard your heart, for this is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23
~ I should not watch anything I do not want my four year old to see.
~ I should not say anything I would be ashamed to hear my daughter say.
~ I should not do anything I would not do in front of my wife.
~ Sussana Wesley's definition of sin "Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off your relish of spiritual things; in short, whatever increases the strength and authority of your body over your mind, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may be in itself."
~ Is what I am doing helping my spiritual growth, and is my heart in it?
~ You can show people love, and not love them, but it is hard, if not impossible to love people and not show them love.
~ If I believe hell is the final destination for the unsaved, which I do; why am I acting as if I do not believe, by not inviting all I meet to Jesus' table?
~ Reading, studying, and believing the Bible, God's Word, which breathes life into my soul, and rekindles the passion and desire to demonstrate His love, but I have to take action, and apply His words and walk in faith. Kind of like, a car just pumped full of gas and started, with the engine revving. Sure, the car is ready to go, but will not move until the driver takes action by taking the car out of (P) park and into (D) drive, and pushing the gas pedal. I have to remind myself that being full of gas and having the engine started is great, but I have to push the pedal and steer the car in order to arrive at another destination. Oh, so that is why I am stuck here, kind of revelation. Once I push the gas the gasoline combust inside of the chamber (generally speaking) and converts to extreme amounts of energy causing the car to be set in motion. Once I move in faith the Holy Spirit takes over if I have my heart guarded.
Go out into the world and move as the Holy Spirit guides while guarding the heart and feasting on His Word and drinking gulps of His Spirit.
God, You are so awesome. Amen!
~ I should not watch anything I do not want my four year old to see.
~ I should not say anything I would be ashamed to hear my daughter say.
~ I should not do anything I would not do in front of my wife.
~ Sussana Wesley's definition of sin "Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off your relish of spiritual things; in short, whatever increases the strength and authority of your body over your mind, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may be in itself."
~ Is what I am doing helping my spiritual growth, and is my heart in it?
~ You can show people love, and not love them, but it is hard, if not impossible to love people and not show them love.
~ If I believe hell is the final destination for the unsaved, which I do; why am I acting as if I do not believe, by not inviting all I meet to Jesus' table?
~ Reading, studying, and believing the Bible, God's Word, which breathes life into my soul, and rekindles the passion and desire to demonstrate His love, but I have to take action, and apply His words and walk in faith. Kind of like, a car just pumped full of gas and started, with the engine revving. Sure, the car is ready to go, but will not move until the driver takes action by taking the car out of (P) park and into (D) drive, and pushing the gas pedal. I have to remind myself that being full of gas and having the engine started is great, but I have to push the pedal and steer the car in order to arrive at another destination. Oh, so that is why I am stuck here, kind of revelation. Once I push the gas the gasoline combust inside of the chamber (generally speaking) and converts to extreme amounts of energy causing the car to be set in motion. Once I move in faith the Holy Spirit takes over if I have my heart guarded.
Go out into the world and move as the Holy Spirit guides while guarding the heart and feasting on His Word and drinking gulps of His Spirit.
God, You are so awesome. Amen!
Friday, July 11, 2008
An Exhortation and Encouragement
Hebrews 12:
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:
21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)
22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
29 For our God is a consuming fire.
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:
21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)
22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
29 For our God is a consuming fire.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)